Abdul Aziz Talal Al Tamimi, the dynamic CEO of Tamimi Markets, leads one of Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing supermarket chains with a bold vision: transform grocery shopping into an exciting, customer-focused experience. Under his leadership, Tamimi Markets has expanded its footprint, embraced innovation, and prioritized quality, making it a household name across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. With a commitment to fresh thinking and a deep connection to his family’s legacy, Abdul Aziz drives the company toward a future where shopping is not just a chore but a delightful journey.
A Legacy of Quality and Family Values
Abdul Aziz steps into a legacy that began in 1979 when his family, under the Tamimi Group, partnered with U.S. retail giant Safeway to open Saudi Arabia’s first modern supermarket in Khobar. Founded by Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Tamimi in 1942, the Tamimi Group started as a supplier to Saudi Aramco before diversifying into sectors like retail, real estate, and logistics. Tamimi Markets, now fully owned by the family, reflects the values of quality, honor, and leadership that Abdul Aziz holds dear.
“I am fortunate that the name of Tamimi stands for quality,” Abdul Aziz says, crediting the hard work of his team. He sees himself as a custodian, nurturing the business for future generations while staying true to the family’s mission of serving Saudi families with fresh, safe, and healthy foods. His leadership blends tradition with forward-thinking strategies, ensuring Tamimi Markets remains relevant in a fast-changing retail landscape.
Reimagining the Shopping Experience
Abdul Aziz believes grocery stores should be more than places to buy food—they should inspire and engage. “Most supermarkets are not as exciting as they need to be,” he observes. “Shopping can be experiential, filled with sights, sounds, and aromas.” To make this vision a reality, he pushes for innovative store designs, vibrant product displays, and interactive features like sushi stations, fresh juice counters, and salad bars.
Tamimi Markets’ stores now feature “Healthy Living” sections with organic, gluten-free, and natural products, catering to health-conscious shoppers. The introduction of “Grab & Go” solutions offers freshly prepared meals for busy customers. Abdul Aziz also champions digital transformation, with services like “Click and Collect,” allowing shoppers to order online and pick up in-store. These innovations reflect his focus on convenience and customer satisfaction.
Appealing to the Next Generation
With 60% of Saudis under 30, Abdul Aziz prioritizes connecting with younger shoppers. He introduced Tamimi Express and Tamimi Mini stores, smaller formats that fit into residential complexes and trading centers, making shopping accessible and convenient. Food trucks, deployed at major events, serve affordable meals while boosting brand visibility on social media. “We need to be where our younger customers are,” he explains, noting the positive response on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
Abdul Aziz also leverages data from the Themari loyalty program to offer personalized promotions, ensuring customers feel valued. By stocking exclusive brands like Costco’s Kirkland Signature and Sainsbury’s UK products alongside local favorites, he ensures Tamimi Markets appeals to diverse tastes. His ability to blend global standards with local relevance has earned the chain a spot among Saudi Arabia’s top 100 brands.
Driving Expansion with Purpose
Under Abdul Aziz’s leadership, Tamimi Markets has grown from its roots in eastern Saudi Arabia to over 80 stores nationwide, intending to reach 200 by 2030. The company expanded into Riyadh, Jeddah, and even Bahrain, with a new store in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh showcasing its commitment to international communities. “This stylishly unique store is an expression of Tamimi’s innovative spirit,” he says, highlighting its design by local architect Abdulmohsen Al Theyab.
Each new store reflects Abdul Aziz’s focus on quality and community. The Tabuk branch, opened in 2021, features colorful displays and a bulk foods section by Miros, offering dried fruits, nuts, and spices. Abdul Aziz ensures every location upholds high standards of cleanliness, service, and value, earning praise from customers and government agencies, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leading with Innovation and Teamwork
Abdul Aziz fosters a culture of innovation at Tamimi Markets, supported by a diverse management team of industry veterans and passionate young talent. “We thrive on fresh thinking,” he says, encouraging creativity in store layouts, product mixes, and customer engagement. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, empowering his team to experiment with trends like plant-based foods and eco-friendly products.
He also aligns Tamimi Markets with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, supporting the “Made in Saudi” initiative by promoting local products like spices, legumes, and drinking water. “We aim to enrich local industry without compromising quality,” he says, reinforcing the company’s role in economic diversification.
A Vision for the Future
Abdul Aziz envisions Tamimi Markets as the best supermarket in Saudi Arabia, not the biggest. “Our goal is to take care of our customers’ needs for generations,” he says. With plans to expand into western Saudi Arabia and beyond, he remains focused on enhancing the shopping experience through technology, sustainability, and community engagement. His leadership ensures Tamimi Markets stays true to its roots while embracing the future.
As Abdul Aziz Talal Al Tamimi steers Tamimi Markets forward, his passion for innovation and dedication to quality shine through. By blending family values with modern retail strategies, he redefines grocery shopping and builds a legacy that will serve Saudi families for decades to come.
